Andrew Orsmond's practice focuses on advising clients of Foley Hoag's unique Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practice. He has worked with multinational corporations and other entities on the design and implementation of a range of CSR strategies and engagement with related stakeholders. Drawing on his experience as a military officer and extensive background in U.S. and International Labor & Employment law, Andrew has particular expertise counseling clients on best practices relating to the integration of human rights standards into security arrangements and the implementation of international labor rights. His experience includes extensive field work, participating in and leading human rights impact assessment teams in West Africa and North Africa.
Andrew also advises U.S. and foreign employers on a range of domestic U.S. and international labor and employment matters. He has assisted clients with employment law concerns in Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Andrew's litigation experience includes trial and appellate practice in U.S. state and federal courts, in arbitrations, and before administrative agencies. In addition, Andrew has extensive experience conducting internal corporate investigations and advising clients on remedial measures.
Prior to beginning his legal practice, Andrew served for 11 years as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, serving in various combat arms and intelligence positions from 1991 until 2002. In 1995, Andrew served as the Intelligence Officer for Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, during its successful mission to rescue an Air Force pilot shot down over Bosnia-Herzegovina. In 2001 and 2002 he returned to active duty as an intelligence officer at U.S Central Command, supporting operations in Afghanistan, Southwest Asia, and East Africa.
Representative Experience
The following is a brief summary of Andrew's experience and accomplishments:
· Experience leading and conducting human rights impact assessments for multinational corporations in various African countries, including identifying potential improvements in security arrangements, labor practices, health and safety practices, and community engagement efforts
· Advised and coordinated legal strategy for several high-profile employers preparing for and continuing operations in the face of violent labor strikes
· Conducted internal investigations and recommended remedial steps for several clients regarding facing allegations of unethical practices by officers and employees
· Advised several multinational corporations on labor and employment compliance in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions
· Significant courtroom and arbitration trial experience representing multinational employers on employment, insurance, compliance, and commercial disputes
· Obtained summary judgment and dismissal in favor employers in an age, race, national origin and disability claims brought by former employee in various state and federal courts
· Advised numerous U.S. employers on compliance with all aspects of domestic labor and employment laws, including hiring/background checks, fair labor practices, anti-discrimination policies and practices, employee benefits, independent contractor arrangements, plant closings, termination of employment, unemployment, and workers compensation
Professional / Civic Involvement
· International Employment Law Committee, Section of International Law, American Bar Association
· Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility, Section of International Law, American Bar Association
· International Labor & Employment Law Committee, Section of Labor & Employment Law, American Bar Association
· Steering Committee, Labor & Employment Section, Boston Bar Association (2006-2010)
· Chairman, Board of Trustees, South Church (UCC), Andover, Massachusetts
Speeches and Conferences
· Speaker, Records Management in the Next eDiscovery Wave (Massachusetts Bankers Association, January 2010)
· Speaker, FMLA Update - Understanding the New Military Leave Entitlements (Boston Bar Association, March 2009)
· Speaker, Legal Liabilities for Consultants (IEEE Consultants Network, Waltham, MA, November 2008)
· Speaker, Developments in Discrimination Law (Foley Hoag Labor & Employment Seminar, Needham, MA, May 2008)
· Speaker, Employment Law Challenges (Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce, May 2008)
· Speaker, Independent Contractors: Challenges under State and Federal Laws (IEEE Consultants Network, Waltham, MA October 2007)
· Panel Moderator, Labor Law Issues in the Health Care Arena (Boston Mar Association, February 2007)
· Speaker, Electronic Discovery and the New Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (Massachusetts Bankers Association, May 2007)
· Panelist, Labor Law Basics (Boston Bar Association, November 2005)
Publications
· Contributing author, Unionization and Concerted Protected Activity in Employment Law Guide: A Practical Guide to Understanding Massachusetts Employment Law (Boston Bar Association, 2007)
Honors/Awards
Major, Intelligence and Assault Amphibian Officer, United States Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve, 1991-2002
Awarded Joint Service Commendation, Joint Service Achievement, and Navy Achievement Medals for Service with U.S. Central Command during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001-2002) and NATO Operations in former Yugoslavia (1995)